Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Benefits, Use Cases, and Real Results

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has become increasingly popular as clinical evidence grows. 

n this article, we explain what HBOT is, who it helps, and how it works—along with real treatment cases.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Definition

HBOT is a medical treatment that delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment, significantly increasing the oxygen concentration in the body.
According to the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), HBOT must meet the following criteria:

• 100% oxygen inhalation
• Administered at 1.4 ATA or higher
• Duration of 90–120 minutes per session

The increased oxygen dissolves in the plasma and helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. It may also improve sleep disorders and cognitive function, which are currently being studied.

Types of Hyperbaric Chambers

Multiplace vs. Monoplace Chambers

• Multiplace chambers: 

patients wear masks, with medical staff present inside.

• Monoplace chambers: 

private setting, no mask needed, individual treatment.

Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Oxygen Capsule

a) Oxygen concentration

Many confuse oxygen capsules with HBOT chambers. The key difference is how oxygen is supplied.

• Hyperbaric chambers: deliver 100% pure oxygen directly into the chamber from tanks.
• Oxygen capsules: compress ambient air (only ~20% oxygen), resulting in lower oxygen concentration.

b) Pressure

• Oxygen capsules operate at lower pressure.
• Hyperbaric chambers at Noonopi (IBEX M2) reach up to 3 ATA, about 1.5–3 times atmospheric pressure.

c) Medical certification

Oxygen capsules are used for wellness and fatigue recovery, while HBOT chambers are classified as medical devices and must be operated by licensed facilities.
 

How Does HBOT Work?

• Increased oxygen absorption: Oxygen dissolves in the blood plasma, promoting wound healing.
• Regeneration mechanisms: Oxygen shifts trigger tissue repair responses.
• Anti-inflammatory & antibacterial: Suppresses infection and accelerates healing.

HBOT for Approved Medical Conditions (Insurance-Covered)

The UHMS evaluates HBOT for medical use, and in Korea, certain conditions are also covered by insurance:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Decompression sickness
• Central retinal artery occlusion (within 24 hours)
• Sudden hearing loss
• Diabetic foot ulcers, burns, post-grafting recovery

Decompression Sickness (DCS)

Case: After a scuba diving trip abroad, the patient experienced rash, itching, and swelling. Initially misdiagnosed as an allergy, but later identified as DCS.

HBOT successfully removed nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and relieved symptoms.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Sudden vision loss must be treated within 24 hours to prevent permanent blindness.

• Causes: embolism, vessel spasm, filler complications
• Early HBOT improves visual recovery outcomes

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden drop in hearing and ear ringing? HBOT at 2.5 ATA for 90 minutes × 15 sessions has shown significant recovery in clinical studies.

Skin Grafting, Microsurgery, Diabetic Ulcers

HBOT plays a critical role in plastic surgery and wound healing.
During my residency, I used HBOT for diabetic foot, chronic wounds, and reattached fingers.

HBOT enhances:

• Graft survival
• Microvascular regeneration
• Healing of diabetic and chronic wounds

HBOT for Filler Complications & Post-Facelift Skin Necrosis

At Noonopi, patients often seek HBOT to speed recovery after surgery or hair transplant, but sometimes for emergency complications like skin necrosis.

Filler Complication – Skin Necrosis

A patient experienced skin discoloration after filler injection at a cut-rate clinic.

Diagnosis: vascular occlusion → ischemia (low oxygen supply).

Transferred to our clinic for HBOT using the IBEX chamber.
After 2 sessions, the ischemic area reduced visibly, and necrosis was prevented.

⚠️ Without timely treatment, necrosis can occur.

Suspected Necrosis After Facelift

One patient had facelift from assembly-line clinic. After, she came with post-facelift skin concerns. Thankfully, it was within the normal range of healing, not necrosis.

While rare, one of our SMAS facelift patients developed reduced blood flow to part of her skin flap—a complication we take to heart. 

Thankfully with prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the skin dead area was minimized and her healing progressed remarkably well. We still take care of her scar with laser treatment.

Below photo is another case that truly broke our hearts. Thanks to prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy, we were able to minimize the necrosis. The patient continues to receive dedicated scar management at Noonopi—we remain committed to supporting her recovery every step of the way..

Summary – Why Choose HBOT?

✔ Boosts oxygen delivery to tissues
✔ Reduces inflammation & infection risk
✔ Supports microvascular regeneration and graft survival

HBOT must be administered by experienced professionals who can tailor the pressure and frequency for each case.
If you’re considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy, message us anytime!
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Noonopi Plastic Surgery | Dr. NK Park

This blog post is for informational purposes only. All medical procedures carry potential risks. Please consult a licensed physician.